Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Mid-October Sock Report...and a gimmicky blog anniversary contest!

WIP wall of shame

It is sock WIPs as far as the eye can see around this joint. From the top, left to right: Monkeys in STR 'Spacedust', Jaywalkers in LL 'Grumperina', Canal du Midi in STR 'Nyame', Blueberry Waffles in STR 'Lagoon', a sock that I can't identify and Nutkins in Jitterbug 'Wasabi Squeeze'. Apparently I am very fond of the casting on part...but you might notice that all of the above socks are in a state of not-finishedness. And guess what? I am tired of pretending to feel bad about it. I've decided that knitting over 40 means doing whatever the hell you want and not deceiving yourself about it--so no more hand wringing for me. I'm leaving that to my better half who is experiencing a kind of dystopian bliss (but mixed with horror,too) at the current state of the economy. His entire world view has been confirmed! Oh shit . . .

Prize yarn
My contribution to Socktoberfest is not a viral hit sock pattern (I don't have the genius skills for such an endeavor) nor is it some super-impressive output of really hard, Yarnissima socks (I bow to her acumen). No, my contribution is a gimmicky contest in honor of a. my blog anniversary--3 years of hootin' and hollerin'--and b. my love of sock yarn. Of all the yarns it's hands down my favorite to hoard buy. It's relatively inexpensive, comes in enticingly perfect amounts and for these reasons, I have way too much of it. So my over-acquisitiveness is your potential gain. Above you see some Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Argyle (left) and Koigu KPPPM (right). Just leave a little comment here and tell me which one you want, and the random number generator Peeper-Lou will choose two winners, probably based on the sound of your name, on Monday.

115 comments:

sophanne said...

I want the Koigu- I probably sent it to you once- or wait- I probably only sent you one skein because i didn't know enough about knitting socks. Plus I have as many undone socks as you.

Miss Ripley said...

Thank you for the contest and your lovely blog. You're my go-to for cowl ideas, along with a source of reading pleasure. Happy Blogiversary!

I'd love to be entered for the Lorna's Laces please and thank you!

Ashley said...

No need to enter me, darlin'--I've got more than I can handle--but HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY. I'm glad you exist in the world.

YawnOver said...

oooh! oooh! A giveaway? You are the best!

I love them both. But if I HAD to pick... it would be the Koigu.

Happy blogiversary!

Stephanie said...

Those are seriously fun looking socks and sock yarn. I agree about the fact that the yarn is relatively inexpensive. I've been trying to convince people that I'm not REALLY a sock knitter but my budget makes me one because, well, I can't afford enough yarn for a sweater or some such thing...

Or maybe socks are awesome. Who knows? Happy blogiversary! I would take that Koigu off your hands if need be.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary! I don't need any more sock yarn in my life, but I wanted to tell you how very funny and smart blog is.

Anonymous said...

I was feeling such pressure to finish projects. I'm glad to know that there is an over-40-no-rules rule. What a friggin' relief!

My stash is already apalling, but congrats on your blogiversary!!!

Anonymous said...

oooh, happy blogiversary! not sure if i've commented before -- if not, those socks are lovely -- and hello! consider me delurked. (and please enter me for the koigu...)

TopHat said...

Happy Blogiversary! Can I enter for the Koigu? I can't resist bright colors.

Anonymous said...

No entry from me - I have so much sock yarn! I do want to wish you a happy blogiversary!

ikkinlala said...

Happy blogiversary! I'd love a chance to win the Lorna's Laces (it was hard to decide - the Koigu is gorgeous too).

Senora Fuerte said...

Good hootin' and hollerin'!! Love this blog!

I also love the Argyle!!!

cbknits80 said...

I love the Argyle. thanks for keeping up such an enjoyable blog.

Megan said...

Thank you for this post. I've been doing a lot of casting on lately and feeling a bit guilty about it, but not anymore. Too bad I don't have any sock yarn that doesn't already have a planned project, or I think I would cast on for some Monkeys right away. Come to think of it, I think the Koigu would be perfect for them. :)

Anonymous said...

Them's some pretty socks you've got in the works! Happy Blogiversary, too. :)

Should I get picked, I'd love the Koigu.

Jodi said...

Happy blogiversary! You have some gorgeous socks in the works -- esp. those Monkeys. I've realized that I only like knitting sock legs. Not the heels or feet, just the legs. Maybe I should switch to legwarmers?

My stash would be very pleased to welcome that beautiful Koigu to the fold.

breckster said...

Oh, that I had found you three years ago! They are both lovely, I would love to have either running through my fingers.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary!! I love your monkey socks...they will look awesome in the ARGYLE!

Shrinkie said...

Congrats on 3 years!! And if it makes you feel any better I currently have 21 socks completed and waiting for partners, 3 pairs needing ends woven in and 8 WIP socks on needles - SAD!!! I would love the Koigu as I ahve recently developed an affection for yellow after disliking it for years :o)

alligator said...

Blog contests are fun! I love your blog, even though I don't comment very often (I'm lame). Nothing gets me out of the woodwork like a bribe though! I like both your sock yarns but I really love koigu socks so I'm hoping for that. :)
Enjoy your s(ock).i.p's!

Anonymous said...

happy 3rd anniversary! i've only been reading your blog for a short while but i enjoy it thoroughly. as for the yarn, i'd choose the koigu. cheers! -- Leah

WonderMike said...

Three YEARS!!! That's amazing. You are a blogging inspiration. Now, if only that inspiration resulted in getting off my lazy ass and writing. Oh well.

Daphne said...

Happy blog anniversary! I do so <3 your blog and y'alls's worldview. I also know "y'alls's" is no kind of word but whatev. I also like both types of yarns displayed, but wouldn't that Koigu go great with my accidental Koigu stash?

Also: I am no stranger to cast-onitis, but oddly, I don't have second sock syndrome (usually) or a multitude of socks in progress. I do have one, a mate to a sock whose original mate had to be disposed of as it was a fuzzy blue moth habitat, which I am eventually going to finish--probably when it gets too cold to ride my bike to work this winter.

DesertRat said...

I'd love the argyle! My grandmother used to knit argyle socks for my grandfather every year for fifty years. They were amazing. He wouldn't wear any socks but hers.

Sharon said...

Happy Blogiversary!
At least you start socks. I look at my yarn, get my needles out...and, that's about as far as I get lately. Oh, well.

I love the Lornas. ;)

Jadielady said...

Ooh ooh! Can I put my name in for both? If not, argyle.
Happy Blogaversary!!!

melissa said...

happy blogiversary! thanks for making me nearly piss myself in bouts of laughter every time i read one of your posts. i mean that in a good way!
i had some str in spacedust before. if i had known it would look so great in the monkey pattern, i wouldn't have traded it. dammit!

Anonymous said...

Happy blogiversary! Any sock yarn is a good sock yarn IMHO. :) I do like the Koigu...reminds me of summer.

Anonymous said...

Happy Bloggy-versary! Its amazing how fast time flies.
I love, love, love the yarn that your using for your mystery sock. Fantastic yellow.
Can I say that I want both yarns? Ok, if I have to pick one it would be the kpppm yellow seems to be calling my name lately.
Peeper-Lou, Amanda Cathleen has a nice ring to it, right? ; )

Twisted Knitter said...

Happy Blogiversary!

You know, as much as I love the colors of that Koigu, the real reason I wanted to comment was to give you a virtual high five for this:

I've decided that knitting over 40 means doing whatever the hell you want and not deceiving yourself about it--so no more hand wringing for me.

Hell.Yeah. I'm in that club, baby.

weezalana said...

I so covet that Space Dust! But I'm trying not to buy more yar... hahahahahahaha! I almost said that with a straight face.

I'd love me some Koigu! Will it increase my odds of winning if I change my name to weezapeeper?

Sarah said...

Lorna's or Koigu? That's like asking a mother to choose between her children, isn't it? I'd be happy with either, though the colors of the Lorna's are more me.

Happy blog anniversary!

Meredith M said...

Happy Blogiversary! Three is the magic number!!! I really love the Lorna's Laces!You're a doll to celebrate this way, and for keeping so many entertained for 3 years!

Lori in Michigan said...

Congrats on your blogiversary...ya do just great!
I want...err...*NEED* that LL Argyle! Just love it! Passed on it when I saw it in a shop (just on guilt when gas prices really went up) and have regretted it since! Pick me!

peaknits said...

Happy Blogiversary indeed! And celebrating Socktober style - I like it! Mmm, both are yummy - but your Mystery sock makes me want that yellow Koigu:)

Anonymous said...

I'd love to win the Lorna's Laces. Happy blogiversary.

Heather said...

A Very Happy Blogiversary to you, to you.

I really really like the Lorna's. Really.

Faith said...

Pretty sock patterns -- I've given up feeling guilty about any unfinished project. I'll come back to it in time if it's worth it.

And I would love the Koigu if I won, but really both are great.

Anonymous said...

happy blogday to you...
happy blogday to you...
HAPPY BLOGDAY! HAPPY BLOGDAY!
happy blogday to you....

How could junglygirl not want something so delicious and tropical and jungly?? I'm loving the koigu.

PS. I only have 5 pairs of socks languishing on my needles. Now I'm into hats.

tracytracy said...

Those are gorgeous WIPs!!!
I'm feeling the urge to cast on a new pair myself.

Happy blogoversary!

Oh, yeah...I like the Koigu best (:

Anonymous said...

i'm especially fond of the canal du midi wip. :)

happy blogiversary! i've been a long-time reader but a first-time commenter.

p.s. koigu? please?

Pikku- Kettu said...

Congratulations on the blogiversary!

I know I've used up all my luck here, but Koigu! :)

Unknown said...

thanks for the over 40 knit what you want rules. I need them. I have never used the Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, I have however, had to knit a sock pattern because you did. g

Viktoria said...

Happy blogiversary!

I would really enjoy the Koigu KPPPM...

Emily said...

Happy blog anniversary!

I'm a huge fan of Koigu KPPPM. It's yummy.

Donna said...

Oo, I quite fancy the yellow and green please!

mooncalf said...

Ooh congratulations and happy blogiversary!

I like the Lorna's Laces the most.

Pick me, random number fairy! Pick me!

Vaedri said...

Happy blogiversary! I've somehow ended up with only one WIP sock - oh, wait - just remembered another. All is right with the world.

Both skeins are lovely, but if I had to, I'd pick the Koigu.

Knitting Kris said...

Love your blog! I drove through Holidaysburg on many a trip to IUP!
I have relatives that reside in the Holidaysburg area too!
I love all of your photos of cowls, and can relate to the farm show musings! We have a small ag fair here every year, but no entries from me this year.
Love that Koigu - but just wanted to say congrats on 3 years!

Anonymous said...

Happy Bloggiversary! I totally <333 that LL in argyle. And don't worry about the WIP socks; I think you and I are of the same mind with projects like that .. "Oh, that looks neats... I'll cast on!... Oooo.. that looks neat and ... SHINY!!!"

Lazuli said...

Happy Blogiversary! That Lorna's in Argyle is really gorgeous!

Kathleen said...

Thank-you for all that you give of yourself in this blog, and thanks for the camaraderie. None of my friends knit, and when I read you, it feels very cozy & comforting.
Love the Koigu.
Cheers, Kathleen

Jess said...

Happy Blogday to you!

Your blog makes me giggle- lots. Thanks!

All of your WIP socks look so pretty all next to one another. :)

I dig the Koigu. You always pick such neat colorways.

Angelika said...

You seem to be burried in sock yarn soon and we can't have that. Happy blogiversary and I like the blue ;)

Denise said...

I'm 45 on Saturday, and I like your idea of knitting what the heck I want after 40 and not feeling bad about it :-) I still have Christmas gifts to knit though... bummer!
I would love a chance to try the Koigu, I've never knit with it, actually I'd take either, I've never knit with Lorna's Lace either (if I should win, that is).
Happy Bloggiversary!

Amy said...

Wow, you're making me want to cast on some socks. Such a temptress!

Happy bloggiversary and here's to many more years of convincing the rest of us that we should ditch our wips with wild abandon and cast on for something new with you.

Beverly said...

Happy blogiversary! I've got too much sock yarn as it is, but that koigu sure is pretty!

Karen said...

Look at you go, you madd sock knitter!!! I agree, who cares if they are WIPs - knitting is supposed to be fun and relaxing, not stressful. The rest of the world is stressful enough.

And happy 3-year blogiverary!!! Here's to many many more. If I were to win, I'd go for the Lorna's.

Anonymous said...

That's a lot of socks! And a lot of blog-posts!!

Happy Blogiversary!!!

Given my druthers, I'd go for the Lorna's Laces :)

ingrid said...

Oh my goodness! You are ever so generous!

I would LOVE to get my hands on that Koigu. The thing is, I live in Canada, the home of Koigu, and yet I have never ever seen Koigu KPPM in real life. How sad is that?

Bonne blogiversaire!

Unknown said...

My WIP guilt is driven by the worry that I will die and leave all these ufo's for my family to deal with. They would run out of band-aids from sorting through and getting poked by sharp knitting needles...

I can't believe it is ONLY 3 years. It seems like forever. In a good way. Personally, I covet the citrus-y Koigu.

Holli said...

Yes, sock yarn is fun to buy -- thanks for sharing some of your stash. I'd love the KPPPM, what gorgeous colors.

As for WIP guilt -- good for you for letting go!

Jennie said...

Congrats on 3 years girl! You rock. I love seeing your knits and adventures in craziness. Oh and not need to enter me, I'm a-okay in the stash department. ;)

Becky Holmes said...

I would love to win the Koigu! And I love looking at all your socks in progress. It's so inspiring! Now I want to go home and cast on another sock!

JP said...

short time reader, i clicked over here from another blog, but quickly added it to my daily read list :)

like i need more things to do, but the Lorna's Laces Argyle is awfully pretty...

Sarah said...

Hearty congrats on the blogiversary. May there be many more. Thanks for the offer of the beautiful yarn - I love me some sock yarn too. I would love either, but am particularly partial to the Lorna's Laces. Congrats again and thanks so much!

erin said...

Happy Blogiversary!

I would love the Koigu KPPPM, those colors are great together!

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

All wonderful socks, I especially love the Grumperinas and Canals.

Happy blogiversary!! I love the Lorna's.

knithound brooklyn said...

Happy Blogiversary! It takes true dedication to stick it out!

No need for more yarn here, how sweet of you to offer.

As for those ufo's. They are all really great. Just remind yourself you deserve to have gorgeous socks on your ohsosexy feet!

Knit on!

Janet said...

I love your spacedust monkeys so much, I could just cry with jealousy. I am making a STR purchase this month -- financial crisis be damned!

I'd be happy to take the Koigu off your hands!

nova said...

Don't enter me for the contest. I do enough sock yarn hoarding on my own--you need not try to add to the fray. Congrats on the three years of blogging. You are one of my favorite knitbloggers and your posts always brighten my mood. Happy happy!

kaetrn said...

you really cannot go wrong with either yarn! but i especially love the bright colors of the koigu and have never knit with it before...so i'll go with that!

Anonymous said...

I'm throwing my name in the hat. I mostly lurk, but read you quite religiously. Love your knits!

nicole said...

I've been hooting and hollering along with you, and enjoying every minute of it!!! Congrats on 3 great years!

I'd love the Lorna's, as I've never tried it before.

Anonymous said...

Heck, I can stop lurking for a shot at Koigu! Happy blogiversary and belated congrats on your blue ribbon win!

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary! And take pride in kicking some fun fur butt at the fair!

Please enter me for the Koigu. I am loving the yellow-aqua green.

Zoey

Stephanie B said...

First off I love love all your socks in progress. The colors make me so happy. And for happy I like the yellow ones the best!

Anonymous said...

sock yarn is my favorite as well! and i don't even knit socks. i love it for cowls and scarves and gloves. i couldn't resist de-lurking for a chance at either of these lovely yarns. that lorna's laces is just too pretty. happy blogiversary! i've been enjoying reading since i stumbled here about a year ago (via ravelry).
allison

TLCknits said...

Happy Blog-aversary!...love both..

Anonymous said...

I'm loving both, but seem more drawn to the Koigu. I hope your random number generator picks me! Happy blogversary!

Kim said...

Happy Blogiversary! I'm the same with sock yarn. Who can resist the lure of sock yarn? Not me. While I like both, I think the Koigu is speaking to me.

Anonymous said...

Happy blogversary to you!

I love the colour of the Lorna's Laces, but am warning you re postage that I'm in the UK.

Anonymous said...

Hello,

Happy 3 year blog anniversary. I am new to your site via someone else's blog and I love reading your entries. I was laughing out loud from your previous entry about your blue ribbon. Congratulations!!! I would have done the same. If I do win the drawing, I think I like the bright color of your Koigu yarn.

Alison said...

Loving that Argyle...

3 years, eh? Way to go! Happy Anniversary to you, repeat, etc...

Your socks in progress are impressive, I've only got 2 pairs on the needles, well 2 if I count the Anniversay Socks I kinda abandoned a while back... but that's all the needles I have for socks. I'd need to buy more needles to start more socks... (I'm sure that'll happen soon...)

Octopus Knits said...

I just wanted to let you know I nominated you for a blog award (and I love your prize winning hat - it's gorgeous, congrats!), but... if I must, I'll say the KPPPM, because it looks like ducklings splashing about in a pond. Happy Socktoberfest!

nimbleknitter said...

Ooo, Koigu. You inspire me to make more socks. But I already have two pair on the needles. I save the koigu for baby socks that I give away to mothers with newborns and expectant mothers. I use Miriam Felton's Infant to Toddler Sized Socks pattern because I think it makes perfect baby socks (and because I have it memorized). Thanks for having the contest and Happy Blogiversary!

Michelle O said...

Potential for free stuff? Count me in! I would love the Koigu KPPM because I've only ever bought one skein of it in my knitting life...sad but true.

Katie K said...

Looking over your beautiful projects this morning on ravelry looking for ideas on what to knit in the car to and from Rhinebeck tomorrow, I discovered your website. It's a pleasure to find you. Your husband sounds like mine.

Congrats on your blogiversary. I like the Lorna's Laces, myself.

Anonymous said...

I would love either. I love the Koigu, but I've never tried the argyle.

I avoid second sock syndrome by doing two at once magic loop.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the contest! I'll try for
either. I like the Lorna's Laces color, but have never knit with Koigu! : ) Happy Blog Anniversary

Anonymous said...

Ooh, I can't pass up a chance to win yarn! I like the Lorna's Laces, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at either.

Happy blogiversary!

She Knits Socks said...

Oh, my, How to pick? OK. I'd like the Koigu KPPPM.

Happy Blogiversary!

Hot Cakes said...

Koigu please. You rock. I feel the same way about the current economy mess. It's like, I told you so... um, oops.

brsmaryland said...

Happy blogiversary and congrats on your blue ribbon. It is fun to return to the fair and see if you've been awarded ribbons. One year at our county fair, a pair of socks knit from self-striping yarn won Best in Show, with a note on the tag asking 'how did you do that?' Very disheartening ;-)
Anyway...I've never tried Lorna's Laces so if I win, that's my choice.
Thanks for a fun blog.

Anonymous said...

congratulations on three years!

Lorna's Laces is a few of my favorite things!

Unknown said...

I love them both but I can see guy socks being made with the LL! So awesome!

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogversary! I am working on finishing up almost as many pairs of socks as you posted. . .progress. And still sock yarn calls to me. In this case it is the Argyle calling my name.

asterpurl said...

Cool - thanks for hosting a contest! I like either one - whichever the other random person doesn't want.

maritza said...

Happy happy happy blogiversary! And I totally relate on the UFOs - so much fun to start socks. Finishing them? Well, that's another story. They get finished when they get finished, and that's it. :)
Sock on!

Andi G said...

i have your blog listed on my daily blogs I read, and do I ever.
Thank you for the wonderfully entertaining site.

I would like the Lorna's laces

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Ooh a giveaway, so fun! I love the Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Argyle.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary and thank you for all the laughs and inspiration. You our one cool chick! Being a newbie sock knitter, I would be honored to win either of those yarns. Fingers are crossed!!

Anonymous said...

In truth, if I were to win I'd be absolutely happy with whatever you decided to send me! I'm into darker colors, but I know that patterns tend to show up better in lighter ones......

Happy blogiversary! Hope you have many many more anniversaries.

Debra in NC
(geowolfwalkerathotmaildotcom)

Anonymous said...

Happy Bloganiversary. I'd love to learn to knit socks, and what wonderful yarn this would be to accomplish that wish with. Difficult to decide but I'd choose the Koigu.

Larissa said...

Believe it or not, I don't want any more yarn. I'm actually getting sick of it. But happy anniversary!

bigyarnmama said...

I always love Koigu!! Thanks for having a contest!

Sereknitty said...

Oh, Koigu ... it's gotta be the Koigu!
Happy Blogiversary!

Anonymous said...

I would like to have the Koigu KPPPM since you can't buy that yarn in France.

Unknown said...

Happy Blogiversary!

Love them both... but if I'm forced to choose, Koigu ;)

Janet said...

I'm already entered above, but I just had to come back to tell you...


that after I declared my undying jealousy of your spacedust monkeys, I did a little stash diving, and do you know what I found in there?!? SPACEDUST!!

For Real. Thanks for helping me redisover it :-)

p.s. thanks for not mentioning the underlying problem of a stash so large that one could actually forget about STR...

Dove Knits said...

Happy blogaversary! That sure is alot of socks.

Not that I need any more yarn, but if I were to pick one, I'd pick the KPP
PM.

Anonymous said...

Dang!!! I missed the contest... I am so darn dysfunctional. I would have been happy with either, but the Argyle is just gorgeous. I hope they go to happy homes.

Sourire11 said...

Ack! I'm too late! I love the Lorna's though...

Happy Blogiversary!

hokgardner said...

I just found your blog recently, and I love your Joni hat.

I lurve knitting on Lorna's Laces and the argyle is just beautiful.

Knittymuggins said...

Ok, so I'm uber behind in my blog reads, but I just wanted to wish a belated Happy Bloggiversary!! You know what's cool? Mine is the day before yours :) Though I can't say mine's as kick ass as yours. But at least I get a little pride out of the association, kinda like when you find out someone famous is born on your same birthday!

Congrats again!

knittymuggins